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Locally invasive thymic neoplasms are challenging clinical scenarios and typically require a multidisciplinary approach. The involvement of major mediastinal veins such as the superior vena cava (SVC) used to be a contraindication to surgery, but with improved surgical technique and outcomes, this paradigm has shifted. In some situations, complex resections and reconstructions may be indicated and required to improve the long-term outcome of these patients. We report two of our cases along with a current review of literature. We also describe the preoperative workup, operative techniques, postoperative management, complications, and outcomes of patients with invasive thymic neoplasms that involve the mediastinal veins. Our first case describes a patient who was diagnosed with a thymoma extending from the diaphragm to the base of the neck that was also encasing major vascular structures including the SVC and left innominate vein. Our second case describes a patient who was also diagnosed with a large anterior mediastinal mass encasing the great veins and invading the chest wall. We describe the management of these patients and then delve deeper into operative techniques including SVC resection and reconstruction. We describe the types of conduits that can be used and complications to be mindful of when clamping the great veins, such as the SVC. Improvements in conduit materials and neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies over the years have made it more feasible for patients with invasive thymic neoplasms to undergo surgery., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://med.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/med-20-69/coif). The series “Venous Surgery of the Mediastinum” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. A.S. served as the unpaid Guest Editor of the series. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Mediastinum. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The impact of conduit dimensions and location of esophagogastric anastomosis on long-term quality of life after esophagectomy remains unexplored. We investigated the association of these parameters with surgical outcomes and patient-reported quality of life at least 18 months after esophagectomy., Methods: We identified all patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer from 2018 to 2020 in our institution. We reviewed each patient's initial postoperative computed tomography scan measuring the gastric conduit's greatest width (centimeters), linear staple line length (centimeters), and relative location of esophagogastric anastomosis (vertebra). Quality of life was ascertained using patient-reported outcome measures. Perioperative complications, length of stay, and mortality were collected. Multivariate regressions were performed., Results: Our study revealed that a more proximal anastomosis was linked to an increased risk of pulmonary complications, a lower recurrence rate, and greater long-term insomnia. Increased maximum intrathoracic conduit width was significantly associated with trouble enjoying meals and reflux long term after esophagectomy. A longer conduit stapled line correlated with fewer issues related to insomnia, improved appetite, less dysphagia, and significantly enhanced "social," "role," and "physical'" aspects of the patient's long-term quality of life., Conclusions: The dimensions of the gastric conduit and the height of the anastomosis may be independently associated with outcomes and long-term quality of life after esophagectomy for cancer., Competing Interests: The authors reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Competing Interests: Dr Marshall has received honoraria and consultancy fees from Intuitive, Inc, and honoraria from Siemens, Inc. All other authors reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest.

Competing Interests: Dr Marshall has received honoraria and grant funding from Intuitive Inc. and honoraria from Siemens Inc. All other authors reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest.

Background: Despite improved outcomes, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) continues to be associated with anastomotic strictures. Most resolve after a single dilation; however, some become refractory. Little is known about strictures after MIE in North America., Methods: We performed a single-institution retrospective review of MIEs from 2015 to 2019. Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients requiring anastomotic dilation and the dilation rate per year. Univariate analyses of patients undergoing dilation by various risk factors were performed with nonparametric tests, and multivariate analyses of the dilation rate were conducted using generalized linear models., Results: Of 391 included patients, 431 dilations were performed on 135 patients (34.5%, 3.2 dilations per patient who required at least 1 per patient). One complication occurred after dilation. Comorbidities, tumor histology, and tumor stage were not significantly associated with stricture. Three-field MIE was associated with a higher percentage of patients undergoing dilation (48.9% vs 27.1%, P < .001) and a higher rate of dilations (0.944 vs 0.441 dilations per year, P = .007) than 2-field MIE, and this association remained significant after controlling for covariates. When accounting for surgeon variability, this difference was no longer significant. Among patients with 1 or more dilations, those receiving dilation within 100 days of surgery needed more subsequent dilations (2.0 vs 0.6 dilations per year, P < .001)., Conclusions: After controlling for multiple variables, a 3-field MIE approach was associated with a higher rate of repeat dilations in patients undergoing MIE. A shorter interval between esophagectomy and initial dilation is strongly associated with the need for repeated dilations., (Copyright © 2023 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The STS Thoracic Surgery Practice and Access Task Force - 2019 Workforce Report noted gender-based differences in the income of cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States. We analysed the 2019 Medicare payment data for thoracic and cardiac surgeons to investigate the gender-based payment gap among cardiothoracic surgeons., Methods: The 2019 Medicare Physician and Other Practitioners by Provider and Services data set merged with the Doctors and Clinicians National Downloadable File was utilized to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of gender differences in Medicare payments, numbers of services, unique billing codes, years in practice, Medicare beneficiary age, regional population density (rural-urban commuting area code) and patient panel complexity (hierarchical condition category) for providers. The providers' self-reported gender (women or men) and provider type (thoracic surgery or cardiac surgery) were binarily set according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services standards. Independent analyses were performed with thoracic and cardiac surgeons. We also used the 2013 and 2016 Medicare Physician and Other Practitioners by Provider and Services data sets to analyse the trends in adjusted gender-based payment differences across 2013, 2016 and 2019., Results: After controlling for the covariates, women thoracic surgeons received $25,183.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) $16,307.60, $34,059.40] less than the mean Medicare payment than men thoracic surgeons. Likewise, women cardiac surgeons received $20,960 [95% confidence interval (CI) $1,014.80, $40,902.80] less than the mean adjusted Medicare payment than their men counterparts., Conclusions: In 2019, women cardiothoracic surgeons received a significantly lower mean Medicare payment than men cardiothoracic surgeons after controlling for the number of services, unique billing codes, the complexity of the patient panel, years in practice and regional population density. The payment gap between women and men exhibited no statistically significant change over 2013, 2016 and 2019. Future studies are warranted to understand the association between gender representation and the pay gap., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Chest roentgenograms after chest tube removal are common practice in postoperative thoracic surgery patients. Whether these roentgenograms change clinical management is debatable. We investigated prevalence and management of post-pull pneumothoraces after lung resection., Methods: Patients undergoing minimally invasive wedge resections, segmentectomies, and lobectomies between March 2018 and September 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline factors, operative technique, chest tube management, and outcomes after post-pull chest roentgenograms, and factors associated with post-pull pneumothoraces were analyzed., Results: The study analyzed 200 consecutive patients comprising 117 wedge resections (59%), 24 segmentectomies (12%), and 59 lobectomies (30%). Wedge resections compared with segmentectomy or lobectomy had lower rates of chest tube use, drain duration, air leaks, and need for a clamp trial, with Blake drains most often removed last compared with segmentectomy or lobectomy (all P < .001). Post-pull pneumothoraces, which were largely small/tiny/trace (96%), occurred in 110 patients (55%). Five patients experienced symptoms, and no patients required intervention. Resection type was associated with the pneumothorax rate, need for additional imaging, and discharge timing (all P < .05). Those with pneumothoraces compared with those without differed in type of resection and chest drain, presence of air leak within 24 hours of removal, need for clamp trial, order of tube removal, and hospital length of stay (all P < .05). Multivariable regression showed only clamp trial was associated with post-pull pneumothorax development (odds ratio, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.13-5.45; P = .024)., Conclusions: Although routine use of post-pull chest roentgenograms identified a high prevalence of pneumothorax, no intervention was required. Our study demonstrates post-pull imaging may not be indicated in asymptomatic patients without prior air leak or clamp trial., (Copyright © 2022 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In appropriately selected patients diaphragm plication improves quality of life by alleviating dyspnea and allowing patients to return to their routine activities. Many plication techniques exist, but the optimal surgical approach remains unclear. We report our experience with a minimally invasive radial diaphragm plication technique. It offers 2 distinct advantages: (1) suture placement avoids the phrenic nerve fibers, allowing for potential nerve recovery, and (2) the interrupted radial sutures improve the distribution of tension along the flaccid muscle and may achieve a more durable repair., (Copyright © 2022 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recommendations for intraoperative lymph node evaluation are uniform regardless of whether a primary tumor is clinical T1a or T2a according to TNM 8th edition for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We quantified nodal disease risk in patients with T1a disease (≤1 cm)., Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried for clinical T1a N0 M0 primary NSCLCs ≤1 cm undergoing lobectomy with mediastinal nodal evaluation from 2004-2014. Nodal disease risk was analyzed as a function of demographics and tumor characteristics., Results: Among 2157 cases, 6.7% had occult nodal disease: 5.1% occult N1 and 1.6% N2. Adenocarcinoma (7.5%), large cell carcinoma (25%), and poor differentiation (11.8%) or undifferentiated/anaplastic (25.0%) had high rates of combined pN1 and N2 disease (P < .001). In univariable analysis, odds of pathologic N1, N2, or N1/N2 nodal disease with respect to N0 was greatest for large cell carcinoma (ref. adenocarcinoma odds ratio [OR] 4.31, 3.62, 4.12 respectively; all P < .05), and anaplastic grade (OR 10.71, 13.09, 11.55). Bronchoalveolar adenocarcinomas had the lowest odds (OR 0.41, 0.11, 0.32) and squamous cell carcinoma had lower odds for N2 (OR 0.29, all P < .05). In multivariable analysis only bronchoalveolar adenocarcinomas had lower odds of pathologic N2 and N1/N2 disease with respect to N0. Worsening grade remained significant for pathologic N1 and N1/N2 disease (both P < .05)., Conclusions: A significant rate (6.7%) of occult nodal disease is present in primary NSCLCs ≤1 cm. Risk increases with certain histology and worsening grade. We recommend mandatory systematic hilar and mediastinal nodal evaluation for T1a NSCLC tumors for accurate staging and adjuvant therapy., (Copyright © 2022 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: To date, the gold-standard treatment for sternoclavicular septic arthritis has been surgery due to the high failure and complication rates of medical treatment. In particular, presentation of Fusobacterium sternoclavicular septic arthritis has been rarely reported and very sparsely investigated, and only one other case report of septic arthritis caused by this pathogen exists in literature., Case Presentation: We report a case of an otherwise healthy 38-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with sternoclavicular septic arthritis as a complication of Fusobacterium necrophorum mediastinitis. Our patient underwent successful management through nonstandard, conservative treatment of 7 weeks of intravenous piperacillin + tazobactam followed by 6 weeks of oral amoxicillin + clavulanic acid., Conclusion: We highlight a case of the rare presentation of Fusobacterium necrophorum sternoclavicular septic arthritis that did not require surgical intervention for successful management. Though infection of the sternoclavicular joint is unusual, it continues to be seen in thoracic surgery, and there are increasing numbers of antibiotic-resistant organisms. This case broadens insight into the clinical course and treatment of such conditions. The success of conservative management in this case aligns with the similar nonsurgical course of the one previous report of Fusobacterium sternoclavicular septic arthritis occurrence. Thus, further discussion and thought for reevaluating the current standard practice of surgery for sternoclavicular joint infection is suggested. Our case supports assessing a patient's overall health, causative organism, and extent of infection in interventional course and taking the feasibility of conservative management into more weighted consideration., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Prolonged air leak (PAL; >5 days) following lung resection is associated with postoperative morbidity. We investigated factors associated with PAL and PAL requiring intervention., Methods: Retrospective review of all patients undergoing lobectomy, segmentectomy or wedge resection from 2016 to 2019 at our institution. Bronchoplastic reconstructions and lung-volume reduction surgeries were excluded. Incidence and risk factors for PAL and PAL requiring intervention were evaluated., Results: In total, 2384 patients were included. PAL incidence was 5.4% (129/2384); 22.5% (29/129) required intervention. PAL patients were more commonly male (56.6% vs 39.7%), older (mean age 69 vs 65 years) and underwent lobectomy or thoracotomy (all P < 0.001). Patients with PAL had longer length of stay (9 vs 3 days), more discharge needs and increased odds of complication (all P < 0.050).Twenty-nine patients required intervention (9 chest tubes; 4 percutaneous drains; 16 operations). In 50% of operative interventions, an air leak source was identified; however, the median time from intervention to resolution was 13 days. Patients requiring intervention had increased steroid use, lower diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and twice the length of stay versus PAL patients (all P < 0.050).On univariable analysis, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <40%, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide <50%, steroid use and albumin <3 had increased odds of intervention (P < 0.050)., Conclusions: Age, gender and operative technique were related to PAL development. Patients with worse forced expiratory volume in 1 s or diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide, steroid use or poor nutrition were less likely to heal on their own, indicating a population that could benefit from earlier intervention., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

Objective: Lobectomy is a standard treatment for stage I non-small cell lung cancer, but a significant proportion of patients are considered at high risk for complications, including mortality, after lobectomy and might not be candidates. Identifying who is at risk is important and in evolution. The objective of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Clinical Practice Standards Committee expert panel was to review important considerations and factors in assessing who is at high risk among patients considered for lobectomy., Methods: The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Clinical Practice Standards Committee assembled an expert panel that developed an expert consensus document after systematic review of the literature. The expert panel generated a priori a list of important risk factors in the determination of high risk for lobectomy. A survey was administered, and the expert panel was asked to grade the relative importance of each risk factor. Recommendations were developed using discussion and a modified Delphi method., Results: The expert panel survey identified the most important factors in the determination of high risk, which included the need for supplemental oxygen because of severe underlying lung disease, low diffusion capacity, the presence of frailty, and the overall assessment of daily activity and functional status. The panel determined that factors, such as age (as a sole factor), were less important in risk assessment., Conclusions: Defining who is at high risk for lobectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer is challenging, but remains critical. There was impressive strong consensus on identification of important factors and their hierarchical ranking of perceived risk. The panel identified several key factors that can be incorporated in risk assessment. The factors are evolving and as the population ages, factors such as neurocognitive function and frailty become more important. A minimally invasive approach becomes even more critical in this older population to mitigate risk. The determination of risk is a clinical decision and judgement, which should also take into consideration patient perspectives, values, preferences, and quality of life., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: We analyzed the association between neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients undergoing bronchial sleeve resection with the incidence of postoperative pulmonary and airway complications., Methods: After instructional review board approval we performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of 136 patients who underwent sleeve resection in our institution between January 1998 and December 2016. Administration of neoadjuvant chemoradiation treatment was the studied exposure. Outcomes of interest were rates of postoperative pulmonary and airway complications. Nonparametric testing of demographic, surgical, and pathologic characteristics and morbidity was performed. Logistic regression models evaluated postoperative pulmonary complications and airway complications. Analysis was performed using Stata/IC 15., Results: We analyzed 136 patients (18 underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation), 77 (57%) of whom had non-small cell lung cancer. Postoperative pulmonary complications were observed in 44 of 136 patients (32%). Incidences of pulmonary complications were higher in the neoadjuvant chemoradiation group compared with the non-neoadjuvant radiation group (15/18 patients [83%] vs 29/118 patients [25%], respectively; P < .001). Likewise, rates of pneumonia, atelectasis, respiratory insufficiency, bronchial stenosis, prolonged air leak, bronchopleural fistula, and completion pneumonectomy (2/18 [11%]) were higher in the neoadjuvant chemoradiation group, reaching statistical significance in all cases except bronchial stenosis and prolonged air leak. Only neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy remained significant for postoperative pulmonary and airway complications on logistic regression (both P < .05) CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiation before sleeve resection are at an increased risk of pulmonary and airway complications., (Copyright © 2021 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To develop a team-based institutional infrastructure for navigating management of a novel disease, to determine a safe and effective approach for performing tracheostomies in patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure, and to review outcomes of patients and health care personnel following implementation of this approach., Methods: An interdisciplinary Task Force was constructed to develop innovative strategies for management of a novel disease. A single-institution, prospective, nonrandomized cohort study was then conducted on patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) respiratory failure who underwent tracheostomy using an induced bedside apneic technique at a tertiary care academic institution between April 27, 2020, and June 30, 2020., Results: In total, 28 patients underwent tracheostomy with induced apnea. The median lowest procedural oxygen saturation was 95%. The median number of ventilated days following tracheostomy was 11. There were 3 mortalities (11%) due to sepsis and multiorgan failure; of 25 surviving patients, 100% were successfully discharged from the hospital and 76% are decannulated, with a median time of 26 days from tracheostomy to decannulation (range 12-57). There was no symptomatic disease transmission to health care personnel on the COVID-19 Tracheostomy Team., Conclusions: Patients with respiratory failure from COVID-19 disease may benefit from tracheostomy. This can be completed effectively and safely without viral transmission to health care personnel. Performing tracheostomies earlier in the course of disease may expedite patient recovery and improve intensive care unit resource use. The creation of a collaborative Task Force is an effective strategic approach for management of novel disease., (© 2020 The Authors.)

Robotic technology is positioned to transform the approach to tracheobronchial surgery. With its magnified 3D view, intuitive controls, wristed-instruments, high-fidelity simulation platforms, and the steady implementation of new technical improvement, the robot is well-suited to manage the careful dissection and delicate handling of the airway in tracheobronchial surgery. This innovative technology has the potential to promote the widespread adoption of minimally invasive techniques for this complex thoracic surgery., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Both authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd.2020.03.05). The series “Airway Surgery” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2020 Journal of Thoracic Disease. All rights reserved.)

The appropriate implementation of new technology, root cause analysis of "imperfect" outcomes, and the continuous reappraisal of postgraduate training are needed to improve the care of tomorrow's patients. Healthcare delivery remains one of the most expensive sectors in the United States, and the application of new and expensive technology that is necessary for the advancement of this complex specialty must be aligned with providing the best care for our patients. There are a several pathways to innovation: One is partnering with industry and the other is the investigational laboratory. Innovation and the funding thereof come from both the public and private sector. Most new trials that are likely to impact cardiothoracic surgery are industry-sponsored trials to meet the requirements necessary for regulatory approval. Cost considerations are paramount when considering integration of innovative technology and treatments into a clinical cardiothoracic surgical practice. The value of any new innovation is determined by the quality divided by the cost, and lean initiatives maximize this equation. The importance and implications of conflict of interest have been a concern for physicians, particularly when new technology or procedures are incorporated into clinical practice, and full disclosures by medical professionals and others involved are essential. Our societies and associations provide a platform for presentation and peer-reviewed discussion of new procedures, innovations, and trials and provide a venue for the sharing of knowledge on the highest quality patient care through education and research., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A minimally invasive intragastric approach to the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) allows resection of intramural disease while avoiding disruption of the lower esophageal sphincter and vagus nerves. Few surgeons use this approach; thus little is known regarding its indications, feasibility, technical aspects, complication profile, and long-term outcomes. This study reviewed the experience with this technique., Methods: A retrospective review was performed of a prospectively maintained, Institutional Review Board-approved database covering the period from January 1, 2005 to August 1, 2017. Indications, operative details, postoperative complications, and outcomes were assessed., Results: There were 12 patients identified. The mean age of these patients was 51.9 years. The indications for resection included 10 symptomatic leiomyomas, one gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and three cancers of the GEJ. Mean and median length of stay were 4.9 and 2.5 days, respectively. There were two postoperative esophageal leaks managed with laparoscopic repair. Of the 3 patients with cancer, 2 underwent an R0 resection, whereas 1 patient underwent an R1 resection. There were no other complications or recurrences. Mean follow-up was 6.0 years (range, 0.5 to 12.6 years); no patients had stricture or symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux on long term follow-up., Conclusions: Resection of selected intramural GEJ disorders through a minimally invasive transgastric approach can be performed safely with acceptable morbidity and good long-term results. The approach allows preservation of the lower esophageal sphincter and vagus nerves, a potential advantage compared with other surgical alternatives to resection in this region., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This data article presents data on machining trials that were carried out using 0.5 mm micro-end-mills with different coatings to characterize their wear. The data take the following forms: Tabulated wear measurements, cutting force measurements and graphs of wear against sliding distance. Three materials were machined: titanium grade 2, Hastelloy and Brass (CuZn37). Wear is measured on the flank, rake face and outside edge of the tools. Two coatings were used for each material, with wear data plotted for each material. For further information on experimental methods please refer to "Protocol for Tool Wear Measurement in Micro-milling" (Alhadeff et al., 2018).

Background: Sleeve resection allows for preservation of lung parenchyma and improved long-term outcomes when compared with pneumonectomy. Little is known about minimally invasive sleeve resection, especially indications, feasibility, technical aspects, complications, and outcomes. We reviewed our institutional experience with sleeve resections via a minimally invasive approach., Methods: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database from 01/01/2010 to 11/01/2017. Indications, operative details, pathology, postoperative complications were reviewed and longer-term follow-up was reviewed., Results: Fifteen patients were identified (5 males, 10 females). Details are presented in Table 1 . Patients ranged in age from 7 to 82 years (median, 57 years). Approaches included video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic. Airway sleeve resection was performed in all patients with an additional arterioplasty in 4, one patient having a double sleeve. Length of stay ranged from 3 to 10 days (median, 5 days). Indication for surgery included carcinoid in 5 (1 atypical), NSCLC in 6, and 4 additional pathologies. Complications occurred in 6 patients: air leak [2], pericardial effusion [1], transient brachial plexopathy [1], and atrial fibrillation [2]. There were no anastomotic complications. Median follow-up was 4.2 years. There were no anastomotic strictures., Conclusions: In experienced centers, sleeve resection via a minimally invasive approach is feasible with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Results in this small series appear comparable with the open approach., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: This study sought to evaluate the effect of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on the prognosis of esophageal cancer., Methods: Banked tissue specimens from 53 patients who underwent esophagectomies for malignancy at a single institution over a 6-year period were stained for cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), CD8, and PD-L1. Tumors were characterized as staining high or low density for CD3 and CD8, as well as positive or negative for PD-L1. TIL density and PD-L1 expression were analyzed in the context of survival, recurrence, and perioperative characteristics., Results: Median follow-up was 823 days, with 92.5% survival and 26.8% recurrence rates. All tumors were adenocarcinomas. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given in 56.6% of cases, and neoadjuvant radiotherapy was given in 37.7%. High CD3 density was found in 83%, whereas high CD8 density was found in 56.6%. A total of 18.9% of the tumors stained positive for PD-L1. Survival was significantly shorter in Kaplan-Meier analysis for patients with primary tumors staining positive for PD-L1 (log rank: p = 0.05). Multivariable analysis controlling for neoadjuvant therapy, TIL markers, PD-L1, age, and sex found no significant difference in recurrence or survival., Conclusions: Positive staining for PD-L1 may be a prognostic marker for decreased survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Additional TIL cell types should be investigated for creation of an esophageal cancer Immunoscore. PD-L1 has potential as a therapeutic target., (Copyright © 2018 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To determine whether food bank provision of self-management support and diabetes-appropriate food improves glycemic control among clients with diabetes., Methods: We screened 5329 adults for diabetes at food pantries (n = 27) affiliated with food banks in Oakland, California; Detroit, Michigan; and Houston, Texas, between October 2015 and September 2016. We individually randomized 568 participants with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.5% or greater to waitlist control or 6-month intervention including food, diabetes education, health care referral, and glucose monitoring. The primary outcome was HbA1c at 6 months., Results: Food security (relative risk [RR] = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.73, 0.98), food stability (RR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.64, 0.93), and fruit and vegetable intake (risk difference [RD] = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.34) significantly improved among intervention participants. There were no differences in self-management (depressive symptoms, diabetes distress, self-care, hypoglycemia, self-efficacy) or HbA1c (RD = 0.24; 95% CI = -0.09, 0.58)., Conclusions: Food banks are ideally situated to provide diabetes-appropriate food to food-insecure households. Effective strategies for food banks to support improvements in diabetes clinical outcomes require additional study. Public Health Implications. Moving chronic disease support from clinics into communities expands reach into vulnerable populations. However, it is unclear how community interventions should be integrated with clinical care to improve disease outcomes., Trial Registration Number: NCT02569060.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for the management of non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis (MG) as well as the management of small thymomas and other benign thymic pathology has been gaining in acceptance and popularity as an alternative to the traditional median sternotomy approach. Although VATS thymectomy has been described in several variations, our current preference is a left sided VATS approach due to the exposure it provides in critical areas of dissection. Here we describe our technique for the left sided VATS thymectomy including patient selection, preoperative preparation, operative steps, and postoperative care. We also share pitfalls and tips to prevent them at each step of the procedure learned from our experience with this approach., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

We performed a systematic review to determine best practice for the management of patients with chronic or subacute subclavian vein thrombosis. This condition is best managed with surgical excision of the first rib followed by long-term anticoagulation. Interventional techniques aimed at restoring patency are ineffective beyond 2 weeks postthrombosis. Additional therapeutic options should be made based on the severity of symptoms as well as vein status. Patients with milder symptoms are given decompression surgery followed by anticoagulation whereas patients with more severe symptoms are considered for either a jugular vein transposition or saphenous patch based on the vein characteristics., (Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To examine the association between level of food security and diabetes self-management among food pantry clients, which is largely not possible using clinic-based sampling methods., Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study., Setting: Community-based food pantries in California, Ohio and Texas, USA, from March 2012 through March 2014., Subjects: Convenience sample of adults with diabetes queuing at pantries (n 1237; 83 % response). Sampled adults were stratified as food secure, low food secure or very low food secure. We used point-of-care glycated Hb (HbA1c) testing to determine glycaemic control and captured diabetes self-management using validated survey items., Results: The sample was 70 % female, 55 % Latino/Hispanic, 25 % white and 10 % black/African American, with a mean age of 56 years. Eighty-four per cent were food insecure, one-half of whom had very low food security. Mean HbA1c was 8·1 % and did not vary significantly by food security status. In adjusted models, very-low-food-secure participants, compared with both low-food-secure and food-secure participants, had poorer diabetes self-efficacy, greater diabetes distress, greater medication non-adherence, higher prevalence of severe hypoglycaemic episodes, higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, more medication affordability challenges, and more food and medicine or health supply trade-offs., Conclusions: Few studies of the health impact of food security have been able to examine very low food security. In a food pantry sample with high rates of food insecurity, we found that diabetes self-management becomes increasingly difficult as food security worsens. The efficacy of interventions to improve diabetes self-management may increase if food security is simultaneously addressed.

Objective: Little is known of the success rates of oral anticholinergics for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis and facial blushing as alternatives to surgical intervention. We examine predictors of success with these medications., Methods: A retrospective review was performed at a single institution, including all patients presenting with symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis, facial blushing, or both from 2004 to 2015. All patients were offered a trial of oral anticholinergics. If oral anticholinergic therapy was not successful, patients were offered surgery. Statistical analyses were performed to compare patients who declined surgery given the trial of oral anticholinergics with those who proceeded with surgery., Results: A total of 381 patients presented with symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis (86.6%), facial blushing (2.4%), or both (11.0%). A total of 230 patients (60.4%) declined surgery after using oral anticholinergics, and 151 patients (39.6%) chose surgery. Patients who declined surgery were more likely to have symptoms of primary hyperhidrosis without facial blushing (89.6% vs 82.1%; P = .02) or have primary symptoms involving the axilla, torso, scalp, or groin. Patients who proceeded with surgery had higher rates of palmar symptoms as a primary site (77.6% vs 61.1%; P = .01) and were more likely to have facial blushing alone or in combination with primary hyperhidrosis. Presentation with palmar symptoms and greater number of prior therapy attempts were independent predictors of proceeding with surgery after controlling for concomitant symptom type and location (P = .01 and P < .0001, respectively)., Conclusions: The majority of patients presenting with sympathetic overactivity decline surgery when a trial of oral anticholinergics is included in the treatment algorithm. Facial blushing and palmar symptoms were each associated with choosing surgery., (Copyright © 2016 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Lymphangioma is a rare benign proliferation of lymph vessels in the head and neck, axilla, and rarely the mediastinum. We report on the minimally invasive management of a complex recurrence of lymphangioma involving bilateral chest, mediastinum, and abdomen. Given the complexity, the patient underwent debulking of the lymphangioma, ligation of the cisterna chyli, and repeated percutaneous drainage and sclerosing procedures. This report suggests that the use of combined minimally invasive techniques including laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, percutaneous drainage, and sclerosis may be the optimal strategy to manage these complex situations., (Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Social disability is a hallmark of severe mental illness yet individual differences and factors predicting outcome are largely unknown., Aim: To explore trajectories and predictors of social recovery following a first episode of psychosis (FEP)., Method: A sample of 764 individuals with FEP were assessed on entry into early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services and followed up over 12 months. Social recovery profiles were examined using latent class growth analysis., Results: Three types of social recovery profile were identified: Low Stable (66%), Moderate-Increasing (27%), and High-Decreasing (7%). Poor social recovery was predicted by male gender, ethnic minority status, younger age at onset of psychosis, increased negative symptoms, and poor premorbid adjustment., Conclusions: Social disability is prevalent in FEP, although distinct recovery profiles are evident. Where social disability is present on entry into EIP services it can remain stable, highlighting a need for targeted intervention., (© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2015.)

Minimally invasive surgery has changed the way operative procedures are performed in many specialties. As surgeons have become progressively facile with these techniques, the opportunities to use them have expanded. In thoracic surgery, many surgeons now use minimally invasive techniques to resect small, uncomplicated pathologies of the mediastinum as well as to perform thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Experience with these techniques has allowed new knowledge to be gained and expansion of the use of these techniques for more complicated mediastinal pathology. This keynote address will outline the instrumentation and techniques that we have adopted over a decade of using these techniques for more complicated mediastinal pathology.

Background: Early intervention services (EIS) comprise low-stigma, youth-friendly mental health teams for young people undergoing first-episode psychosis (FEP). Engaging with the family of the young person is central to EIS policy and practice.AimsBy analysing carers' accounts of their daily lives and affective challenges during a relative's FEP against the background of wider research into EIS, this paper explores relationships between carers' experiences and EIS., Method: Semi-structured longitudinal interviews with 80 carers of young people with FEP treated through English EIS., Results: Our data suggest that EIS successfully aid carers to support their relatives, particularly through the provision of knowledge about psychosis and medications. However, paradoxical ramifications of these user-focused engagements also emerge; they risk leaving carers' emotions unacknowledged and compounding an existing lack of help-seeking., Conclusions: By focusing on EIS's engagements with carers, this paper draws attention to an urgent broader question: as a continuing emphasis on care outside the clinic space places family members at the heart of the care of those with severe mental illness, we ask: who can, and should, support carers, and in what ways?, (© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2015.)

Objective: Although simulation-based education is now commonly utilized in medicine, its use in the instruction of congenital heart disease remains limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether heart models created with three-dimensional printing technology can be effectively incorporated into a simulation-based congenital heart disease and critical care training curriculum for pediatric resident physicians., Design: Utilizing heart models created with a three-dimensional printer, pediatric residents participated in a 60-minute simulation seminar with three consecutive components: (1) didactic instruction on ventricular septal defect anatomy; (2) didactic/simulation-based instruction on echocardiographic imaging of ventricular septal defects and anatomical teaching/operative simulation of ventricular septal defect repair; (3) simulation-based instruction on postoperative critical care management of ventricular septal defects., Setting: Academic, free-standing, children's hospital with quaternary care referrals., Participants: Twenty-three pediatric resident physicians., Outcome Measures: Subjective, Likert-type questionnaires assessing knowledge acquisition, knowledge reporting, and structural conceptualization of ventricular septal defects., Results: Three-dimensional printing technology was successfully utilized to create heart models of five common ventricular septal defect subtypes. After using these models in a simulation-based curriculum, pediatric residents were found to have improvement in the areas of knowledge acquisition (P = .0082), knowledge reporting (P = .01), and structural conceptualization (P < .0001) of ventricular septal defects, as well as improvement in the ability to describe and manage postoperative complications in ventricular septal defect patients in the critical care setting., Conclusions: The utilization of three-dimensional printing in a simulation-based congenital heart disease and critical care training curriculum is feasible and improves pediatric resident physicians' understanding of a common congenital heart abnormality., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Sympathetic interruption offers excellent control of hyperhidrosis and facial blushing (FB), but some patients have side effects prompting a wish to reverse the procedure. Reversal when the chain has been cut is challenging, whereas reversal when the chain has been clipped is straightforward. The peripheral nerves regenerate; however, little is known about the regeneration of the sympathetic chain after clip removal. We reviewed our results with reversal of sympathetic interruption through removal of clips., Methods: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients treated for hyperhidrosis and FB from November 2004 to March 2014 was performed. We analyzed those patients undergoing sympathetic interruption with clips (N = 82)., Results: Eight patients (10%) requested and underwent reversal of the procedure between 12 days and 5.8 years (median = 73.5 days) after the initial procedure. Compensatory sweating was the most frequent complaint (n = 6), and excessive palmar dryness was second (n = 3), the latter occurring in patients without primary palmar hyperhidrosis. The interval between clip removal and follow-up ranged from 2 days to 4.5 years (median = 141 days). Five of 8 patients thus far have had their symptoms reversed through removal of clips (Table 1)., Conclusions: The percentage of patients requesting reversal of sympathectomy is significant and appears to most commonly result from compensatory sweating (CS); however, excessive palmar dryness also occurs in those without primary palmar hyperhidrosis. It appears that the best results with reversal are obtained when the clips are removed early after placement. We counsel our patients that ideally clips should be removed within 2 weeks for reversal., (Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Women represent 15% of practicing general surgeons. Gender-based discrimination has been implicated as discouraging women from surgery. We sought to determine women's perceptions of gender-based discrimination in the surgical training and working environment., Methods: Following IRB approval, we fielded a pilot survey measuring perceptions and impact of gender-based discrimination in medical school, residency training, and surgical practice. It was sent electronically to 1,065 individual members of the Association of Women Surgeons., Results: We received 334 responses from medical students, residents, and practicing physicians with a response rate of 31%. Eighty-seven percent experienced gender-based discrimination in medical school, 88% in residency, and 91% in practice. Perceived sources of gender-based discrimination included superiors, physician peers, clinical support staff, and patients, with 40% emanating from women and 60% from men., Conclusions: The majority of responses indicated perceived gender-based discrimination during medical school, residency, and practice. Gender-based discrimination comes from both sexes and has a significant impact on women surgeons.